God our Creator and Redeemer: we praise and thank you that you have called us by our name—knowing and loving us more than we know or love ourselves. Holy One of Israel and Saviour of the human race: no matter how far we may feel from you through suffering or sin, you promise to be with us and gather all of your scattered peoples together from every corner of the world. We rejoice and celebrate you presence among us. God of grace: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.

God of speech: your voice goes forth from heaven and echoes through all of creation. In the act of speaking, your creative Word gave life to the universe—bringing order to chaos and meaning to meaninglessness. In awe and wonder we worship you, King of creation; bless us with your peace. God of grace: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.

Breath of Life: You sent the apostles Peter and John to lay their hands on the people of Samaria and pray that they might receive the Holy Spirit. So, too, help us to be ambassadors of your Holy Spirit’s gifts and fruit—praying for and bringing your healing touch to all who are suffering and in need of healing. God of grace: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.

We thank you heavenly Father for reaffirming through baptism that you had chosen and anointed Jesus, your Son, to accomplish the in-breaking of your reign in the hearts and lives of all believers. God of grace: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.

In a dog-eat-dog, competitive world; we realize how much there is for us to learn from John’s shining example of humility. Assist all leaders of the world to be humble servants of their people that they may govern with justice and peace. God of grace: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.

(Here other prayers and thanksgivings may be added, ending with: God of grace: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.)

Blessed One: through the baptism and prayer of Jesus you revealed yourself to him and delighted in him as your beloved Son. We thank you for revealing yourself to us and claiming us as your children through our baptism. God of grace: C: Have mercy and hear our prayer.

Bestow your baptismal grace upon all Christians, everywhere; that they may spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in thoughts, words, and actions to every nation on earth. We pray in Jesus’ Holy Name. C: Amen.

Benediction

The blessing of God’s peace, the baptismal affirmation that Christ is well pleased with you, and the reconciling power of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always.